Coal India to offer its 20 closed underground mines to private players

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi recently announced that with the target to minimise the import of thermal coal, Coal India is going to offer its 20 closed or discontinued underground mines to private players on a revenue-sharing model. The Ministry has allowed concession of 50 per cent in revenue share for coal gasification. India has the 5th largest reserve of coal in the world and the government's aim is to increase domestic coal production to 1.2 billion metric tonnes by FY 23-24. Continuation of mining activities will help in increasing coal supply to thermal power plans while creating employment opportunities for local people. Extractable reserve in the closed or discontinued coal mines is around 380 million tonne and 30-40 million tonne of coal can be easily extracted from the mines. The Ministry launched Technology Roadmap for Coal Sector, prepared by it, and intended to lead to adoption and implementation of new technologies and enhance work environment, mining operations, including safety and productivity, environmental protection, increase productivity, improve coal recovery and reduce costs.